Home Improvement Today?

My old house had a room like that, too many doors and windows for any reasonable setup. It was the one room in the house that didn't get trashed, because it was so stupid, so when unexpected callers came there was a place to visit with them. We ended up with a low couch in front of the windows and a couple of wingbacks facing it. We didn't need the space so it was ok.

 

That’s my thoughts now too. It’s not really gonna get used so just make it a formal seating area for holidays and such if needed. This house has almost too much space to worry about it, but a big part of me wants it to be more useful lol.

 

I have the same saw and it's twin that pivots other way, one of the few good circular saws that came both. Needed for staircase stringers, the mitered riser cuts.

 

I need to replace windows, first time purchasing. Any gouge, advice? I've received one quote, from Pella. I've got 3 others coming through the rest of the week. DIY friendly?

 

I've got low-e IWC windows thanks to the previous owner. I tinted them last year as the argon in the glass vented off and caused them to fade after about 10 years. They look really nice, but they're a tad drafty in the winter. Not really a huge deal in AZ, but in colder climates it would be. I think Costco might offer house windows?

 

Same. Going to a showroom Saturday to learn about options and 2 home estimates from local installers lined up in coming weeks.

We have original 1934 wood single pane windows that are drafty as hell and most can't be opened. Mainly doing it for functionality and any efficiency will be a bonus. However, we have unique interior trimming around the frames that we want to try to preserve, so likely going an insert route.

 

Thanks. I'm east coast, specifically VA (from what I see IWC is west coast). I don't shop Costco, Sam's etc

 

I did learn I have flange from the Pella salesman, he was suggesting insert.

 

Got my boy setup with his own workbench today. The battery operated chop saw is his favorite because it turns on automatically when you start to lower it. He’s ready for us to call out our measurements!


Speaking of toddlers and storing all their stuff…. Anybody have recommendations on garage shelving? I’m currently looking at a couple of your standard warehouse boltless options but am curious if I should broaden my search. Weight capacity isn’t an issue, just need to store stuff.

 

Safe racks from Costco that hang from the ceiling. Otherwise you can build your own from 2x4x8's pretty cheap. The heavy duty shelves from Gorilla/Gladiator/whomever are nice, but you'll sacrifice floor space for shelving space. Don't need to spend a ton, it's just stuff.

 

Would love the overhead racks but being in a 3 story condo means my garage is finished and only 7’6” tall so I’d be hitting my head on whatever bins I put overhead

 

https://wincorewindows.com/
these guys are kinda local to you just need to find a distributor on their website.

we went with them 3 years ago and no complaints. We did the flange style as we updated the siding and trim at the same time

 

Will you only be placing totes/boxes on the shelving or infrequently? If yes, then off the shelf plastic or metal garage shelving options are a good option. Endless options there.

If you plan on storing things other than totes/boxes, I'd recommend building your own out of 2X material and some plywood/osb. The reason is state this is because most stuff you assemble has a non solid surface (wire mesh or just plastic with areas of open space/grooves). Moving anything other than a smooth bottom tote/box on these can be a pain as legs, etc. get caught in those.

I just replaced that sort of shelving in my garage with below as the smooth surface allows me to easily slide my tools on/off without getting snagged all the time. Makes things so much easier.

 

Just got a $35k quote for 340 sqft of timbertech decking . Includes new framing as well. Guy said about the same if we went with cedar.

Living in the PNW, the composite stuff is really enticing, but you definitely lose something in the look/feel dept.

If anyone here lives in the greater Seattle area and has a bead on a good contractor, I'm all ears. Normally, I would do this myself but the deck has a gable cover with cement tile roof and I don't mess around with that kind of structural.

 

I have three steel racks from Costco in my mechanical room and I built 2x4 shelving for the garage because I couldn't find one off the shelf that was the dimensions I wanted.





Shelves are messier than I'd like but here we are.

Measure what you need to store and where it will go. If pre-manufactured won't work, get cuttin' some lumber.

 

Sam's Club boltless ones are around $100/unit (used to be $65 ).
The go together quick and are sturdy when assembled.
You can build wooden ones but they take up more space for less volume and take more time.

Spoiler: The real solution

The real solution is a larger garage of course -- just about every one of my problems comes down to this...

 

I don't care for the composite stuff I've seen first hand. Gets hotter than wood in my experience and also I've seen is warp/melt on southern exposures

 

Nothing to see here!

 

Lol quoted way back! I’m glad to be done with that project

 

If you want some of the best windows/doors check out "Marvin" - incredible build quality and attention to detail during manufacturing. Also some of the best for efficiency. Here is the kicker -they are expensive. I do not in the least, regret spending the extra on the ones I have bought. These are not sold in big box stores - only regional dealers. If you want more detailed info on my GREAT experiences with this company PM me.